Free floating patient interface for laser surgery system

ABSTRACT

A patient interface includes an eye interface device, a scanner, a first support assembly, and a beam source. The eye interface device is configured to interface with an eye of a patient. The scanner is configured to be coupled with the eye interface device and operable to scan an electromagnetic radiation beam in at least two dimensions in an eye interfaced with the eye interface device. The scanner and the eye interface device move in conjunction with movement of the eye. The first support assembly supports the scanner so as to accommodate relative movement between the scanner and the first support assembly parallel so as to accommodate movement of the eye. The beam source generates the electromagnetic radiation beam. The electromagnetic radiation beam propagates from the beam source to the scanner along an optical path having an optical path length that varies in response to movement of the eye.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and is a divisional of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/190,827, filed Feb. 26, 2014, which claimspriority to U.S. provisional application No. 61/780,881 filed on Mar.13, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

Laser eye surgery systems have become ubiquitous and varied in purpose.For example, a laser eye surgery system may be configured to reshape theanterior surface of the cornea via ablation to effect a refractivecorrection. A laser eye surgery system may also be configured to createa corneal flap to expose an underlying portion of the cornea such thatthe underlying portion can be reshaped via ablation and then recoveredwith the flap. More recently developed laser eye surgery systems may beconfigured to create one or more incisions in the cornea or limbus toreshape the cornea, create one or more incisions in the cornea toprovide access for a cataract surgical instrument and/or to provideaccess for implantation of an intraocular lens, incise a cap sulotomy inthe anterior lens capsule to provide access for removal of a cataractouslens, segment a cataractous lens, and/or incise a capsulotomy in theposterior lens capsule opening.

Many laser eye surgery systems generate a series of laser beam pulsesvia a laser beam source. The laser beam pulses propagate along anoptical path to the patient's eye. The optical path typically includescontrollable elements such as scanning mechanisms and/or focusingmechanisms to control the direction and/or location of the emitted laserbeam pulses relative to the patient.

Some laser eye surgery systems are configured to track eye movement(e.g., change of viewing direction of the eye) such that control overthe direction and/or location of the emitted laser beam pulses can beaccomplished so as to account for the eye movement. For example, a lasereye surgery system may optically track a feature in the eye, such as anatural feature or a fiduciary marker added to the eye, so as to trackmovement of the eye.

In contrast, other laser eye surgery systems may be configured toinhibit eye movement. For example, a contact lens may be employed thatdirectly contacts the anterior surface of the cornea so as to restraineye movement. Such restraint, however, may cause associated patientdiscomfort and/or anxiety.

Beyond eye movement, many laser eye surgery systems are configured toinhibit relative movement between the patient and the laser eye surgerysystem. For example, a laser eye surgery system may include some sort ofsubstantial patient restraint feature such as a dedicated supportassembly (e.g., chair or bed), which can include restraint featuresconfigured to inhibit movement of the patient relative to the supportassembly. Such a dedicated support assembly may include a positioningmechanism by which the patient can be moved to suitably position thepatient's eye relative to the optical path of the laser eye surgerysystem. Additionally, a laser eye surgery system may be configured torigidly support components that determine the location of the opticalpath of the laser pulses so as to substantially prevent movement of theoptical path relative to the dedicated support assembly, thereby alsoinhibiting relative movement of the patient's eye relative to theemitted laser pulses. A dedicated support assembly and rigid support ofoptical path components, however, can add significant complexity andrelated cost to a laser eye surgery system. Additionally, the use ofrigid support of optical path components and a dedicated patient supportassembly can fail to preclude the possibility of some level ofsignificant relative movement between the patient and the laser eyesurgery system.

Thus, laser surgery systems with improved characteristics with respectto patient movement, and related methods, may be beneficial.

SUMMARY

Patient interface assemblies and related methods are provided that canbe used in suitable laser surgery systems such as, for example, lasereye surgery systems. In many embodiments, a patient interface assemblyis configured to accommodate relative movement of a patient whilemaintaining alignment between a scanned electromagnetic treatment beamand the patient. By accommodating movement of the patient, additionalsystem complexity and related cost associated with attempting torestrain movement of the patient can be avoided. Additionally,accommodation of movement of the patient can be employed to increaseease of use of a laser surgery system, such as by configuring the lasersurgery system to be supported by a repositionable cart that can bemoved adjacent to an existing patient support assembly (e.g., anon-dedicated patient support assembly such as a bed).

Thus, in one aspect, a method of accommodating patient movement in alaser surgery system is provided. The method includes using a firstsupport assembly to support a scanner so as to accommodate relativetranslation between the scanner and the first support assembly parallelto a first direction. The scanner is operable to controllably scan anelectromagnetic radiation beam and configured to be coupled with apatient so that the scanner moves in conjunction with movement of thepatient. A second support assembly is used to support the first supportassembly so as to accommodate relative translation between the firstsupport assembly and the second support assembly parallel to a seconddirection that is transverse to the first direction. A base assembly isused to support the second support assembly so as to accommodaterelative translation between the second support assembly and the baseassembly parallel to a third direction that is transverse to each of thefirst and second directions. The electromagnetic radiation beam ispropagated in a direction that is fixed relative to the base assembly.The first support assembly is used to support a first reflectorconfigured to reflect the electromagnetic radiation beam so as topropagate parallel to the first direction and to the scanner. The secondsupport assembly is used to support a second reflector configured toreflect the electromagnetic radiation beam so as to propagate parallelto the second direction and to be incident on the first reflector.Relative translation between the scanner and the first assembly, betweenthe first assembly and the second assembly, and between the secondassembly and the base assembly is used to accommodate three-dimensionalrelative translation between the scanner and the base assembly.

In many embodiments of the method, the scanner has particularoperational characteristics relative to the electromagnetic radiationbeam. For example, the scanner can be operable to scan theelectromagnetic radiation beam in at least two dimensions. The scannercan be operable to focus the electromagnetic radiation beam to a focalpoint. The scanner can be operable to scan the focal point in threedimensions.

In many embodiments of the method, the second direction is perpendicularto the first direction and the third direction is perpendicular to eachof the first and second directions. One of the first, second, and thirddirections can be vertically oriented. For example, the third directioncan be vertically oriented and each of the first and second directionscan be horizontally oriented. The method can include inhibiting at leastone of (1) gravity-induced movement of the scanner in the verticaldirection and (2) transfer of gravity-induced force to the patient.

In many embodiments of the method, the electromagnetic radiation beamincludes a series of laser pulses. The laser pulses can be configured tomodify eye tissue.

The method can include using the base assembly to support a thirdreflector. The third reflector can be configured to reflect theelectromagnetic radiation beam to propagate parallel to the thirddirection and to be incident on the second reflector.

The method can include monitoring one or more relative positions betweencomponents. For example, the method can include monitoring a relativeposition of at least one of the group consisting of (1) between thescanner and the first support assembly, (2) between the first supportassembly and the second support assembly, and (3) between the secondsupport assembly and the base assembly.

The method can include inhibiting relative movement during positioningof the scanner relative to the patient between at least one of (1) thescanner and the first support assembly, (2) the first support assemblyand the second support assembly, and (3) the second support assembly andthe base assembly. Such inhibiting relative movement during positioningof the scanner relative to the patient can be used to ensure thatadequate relative movement ranges are available after the scanner ispositioned relative to the patient.

In another aspect, a patient interface assembly for a laser eye surgerysystem is provided. The patient interface assembly includes an eyeinterface device, a scanner, a first support assembly, a second supportassembly, a base assembly, a beam source, a first reflector, and asecond reflector. The eye interface is configured to interface with aneye of a patient. The scanner is coupled with the eye interface andoperable to scan an electromagnetic radiation beam in at least twodimensions in an eye interfaced with the eye interface device. Thescanner and the eye interface move in conjunction with movement of theeye. The first support assembly supports the scanner so as toaccommodate relative translation between the scanner and the firstsupport assembly parallel to a first direction. The second supportassembly supports the first support assembly so as to accommodaterelative translation between the first support assembly and the secondsupport assembly parallel to a second direction that is transverse tothe first direction. The base assembly supports the second supportassembly so as to accommodate relative translation between the secondsupport assembly and the base assembly parallel to a third direction.The third direction is transverse to each of the first and seconddirections. The beam source generates the electromagnetic radiation beamand outputs the electromagnetic radiation beam so as to propagate in afixed direction relative to the base assembly. The first reflector issupported by the first support assembly and configured to reflect theelectromagnetic radiation beam to propagate parallel to the firstdirection and propagate to the scanner. The second reflector issupported by the second support assembly and configured to reflect theelectromagnetic radiation beam to propagate parallel to the seconddirection and to be incident on the first reflector. Relativetranslation between the scanner and the first assembly, between thefirst assembly and the second assembly, and between the second assemblyand the base assembly accommodates three-dimensional relativetranslation between the eye interface and the base assembly.

The patient interface assembly can include an objective lens assemblydisposed between the scanner and the eye interface. For example, theelectromagnetic radiation beam can propagate from the scanner to passthrough the objective lens assembly and then from the objective lensassembly through the eye interface.

In many embodiments of the patient interface assembly, theelectromagnetic radiation beam is focused to a focal point. The scannercan be operable to scan the focal point in three dimensions in an eyeinterfaced with the eye interface device.

In many embodiments of the patient interface assembly, the scannerincludes a z-scan device and an xy-scan device. The z-scan device can beoperable to change a depth of the focal point in the eye. The xy-scandevice can be operable to scan the focal point in two dimensionstransverse to the propagation direction of the electromagnetic radiationbeam.

In many embodiments of the patient interface assembly, the seconddirection is perpendicular to the first direction and the thirddirection is perpendicular to each of the first and second directions.One of the first, second, and third directions can be verticallyoriented. The patient interface assembly can include a counter-balancemechanism coupled with the scanner and configured to inhibit at leastone of (1) gravity-induced movement of the eye interface in the verticaldirection and (2) transfer of gravity-induced force to an eye coupledwith the eye interface device. The third direction can be verticallyoriented and each of the first and second directions can be horizontallyoriented.

The patient interface assembly can include at least one sensor tomonitor relative position between components of the patient interfaceassembly. For example, the patient interface assembly can include atleast one sensor configured to monitor relative position of at least oneof the group consisting of between the scanner and the first supportassembly, between the first support assembly and the second supportassembly, and between the second support assembly and the base assembly.

In many embodiments of the patient interface assembly, theelectromagnetic radiation beam includes a series of laser pulses. Thelaser pulses can be configured to modify eye tissue.

The patient interface assembly can include at least one device (e.g.,one or more solenoid brake assemblies, one or more detent mechanisms, orany other suitable mechanism configured to selectively inhibit relativemovement between components coupled for relative movement) configured toinhibit relative movement during positioning of the scanner relative tothe patient between at least one of (1) the scanner and the firstsupport assembly, (2) the first support assembly and the second supportassembly, and (3) the second support assembly and the base assembly.Such a device(s) can be used to ensure that adequate relative movementranges are available after the scanner is positioned relative to thepatient.

In many embodiments, the patient interface assembly includes a thirdreflector supported by the base assembly. The third reflector isconfigured to reflect the electromagnetic radiation beam to propagateparallel to the third direction and to be incident on the secondreflector.

In another aspect, a method of accommodating patient movement in a lasersurgery system is provided. The method includes using a using a firstsupport assembly to support a scanner so as to accommodate relativemovement between the scanner and the first support assembly so as toaccommodate patient movement. The scanner is operable to controllablyscan an electromagnetic radiation beam and configured to be coupled witha patient so that the scanner moves in conjunction with movement of thepatient. The method further includes using a beam source to generate theelectromagnetic radiation beam. The method further includes propagatingthe electromagnetic radiation beam from the beam source to the scanneralong an optical path having an optical path length that changes inresponse to patient movement.

The method can include further acts related to the optical path. Forexample, the method can include using a second support assembly tosupport the first support assembly so as to accommodate relativemovement between the first support assembly and the second supportassembly so as to accommodate patient movement. The method can includeusing the first support assembly to support a first reflector configuredto reflect the electromagnetic radiation beam so as to propagate to thescanner along a portion of the optical path. The method can includeusing a base assembly to support the second support assembly so as toaccommodate relative movement between the second support assembly andthe base assembly so as to accommodate patient movement. The method caninclude using the second support assembly to support a second reflectorconfigured to reflect the electromagnetic radiation beam to propagatealong a portion of the optical path so as to be incident on the firstreflector. The method can include using the base assembly to support athird reflector configured to reflect the electromagnetic radiation beamto propagate along a portion of the optical path so as to be incident onthe second reflector.

The method can include the use of relative translation and/or relativerotation between optical path related components. For example, therelative movement between the scanner and the first support assembly canbe a translation in a first direction. The relative movement between thefirst support assembly and the second support assembly can be atranslation in a second direction that is transverse to the firstdirection. The relative movement between the second support assembly andthe base assembly can be a translation in a third direction that istransverse to each of the first and second directions. The seconddirection can be perpendicular to the first direction. The thirddirection can be perpendicular to each of the first and seconddirections. At least one of (1) the relative movement between thescanner and the first support assembly, (2) the relative movementbetween the first support assembly and the second support assembly, and(3) the relative movement between the second support assembly and thebase assembly can be a relative rotation.

The method can include inhibiting at least one of (1) gravity-inducedmovement of the scanner in the vertical direction and (2) transfer ofgravity-induced force to the patient. One of the first, second, andthird directions can be vertically oriented. For example, the thirddirection can be vertically oriented and each of the first and seconddirections can be horizontally oriented.

The scanner can be operable to scan any suitable electromagneticradiation beam in any suitable fashion. For example, the scanner can beoperable to scan the electromagnetic radiation beam in at least twodimensions. The scanner can be operable to focus the electromagneticradiation beam to a focal point and scan the focal point in threedimensions. The scanner can be configured to be coupled with an eye ofthe patient and to controllably scan a focal point of theelectromagnetic radiation beam within a tissue of the eye. Theelectromagnetic radiation beam can include a series of laser pulsesconfigured to modify eye tissue.

The method can include monitoring relative position and/or relativeorientation between optical path related components. For example, themethod can include monitoring at least one of a relative position and arelative orientation of at least one of the group consisting of (1)between the scanner and the first support assembly, (2) between thefirst support assembly and the second support assembly, and (3) betweenthe second support assembly and the base assembly.

The method can include inhibiting relative movement between optical pathrelated components during positioning of the scanner relative to thepatient. For example, the method can include inhibiting relativemovement during positioning of the scanner relative to the patientbetween at least one of (1) the scanner and the first support assembly,(2) the first support assembly and the second support assembly, and (3)the second support assembly and the base assembly.

In another aspect, a patient interface assembly for a laser eye surgerysystem is provided. The patient interface assembly includes an eyeinterface device, a scanner, a first support assembly, and beam source.The eye interface device is configured to interface with an eye of apatient. The scanner is configured to be coupled with the eye interfacedevice and operable to scan an electromagnetic radiation beam in atleast two dimensions in an eye interfaced with the eye interface device.The scanner and the eye interface device move in conjunction withmovement of the eye. The first support assembly supports the scanner soas to accommodate relative movement between the scanner and the firstsupport assembly parallel so as to accommodate movement of the eye. Thebeam source generates the electromagnetic radiation beam. Theelectromagnetic radiation beam propagates from the beam source to thescanner along an optical path having an optical path length that variesin response to movement of the eye.

The patient interface assembly can include additional optical pathrelated components. For example, the patient interface assembly caninclude a second support assembly that supports the first supportassembly so as to accommodate relative movement between the firstsupport assembly and the second support assembly so as to accommodatemovement of the eye. The patient interface assembly can include a firstreflector supported by the first support assembly and configured toreflect the electromagnetic radiation beam to propagate to the scanneralong a portion of the optical path. The patient interface assembly caninclude a base assembly that supports the second support assembly so asto accommodate relative movement between the second support assembly andthe base assembly so as to accommodate movement of the eye. The patientinterface assembly can include a second reflector supported by thesecond support assembly and configured to reflect the electromagneticradiation beam to propagate along a portion of the optical path so as tobe incident on the first reflector. The patient interface assembly caninclude a third reflector supported by the base assembly and configuredto reflect the electromagnetic radiation beam to propagate along aportion of the optical path so as to be incident on the secondreflector.

The patient interface assembly can employ relative translation and/orrelative rotation between optical path related components. For example,the relative movement between the scanner and the first support assemblycan be a translation in a first direction. The relative movement betweenthe first support assembly and the second support assembly can be atranslation in a second direction that is transverse to the firstdirection. The relative movement between the second support assembly andthe base assembly can be a translation in a third direction that istransverse to each of the first and second directions. The seconddirection can be perpendicular to the first direction. The thirddirection can be perpendicular to each of the first and seconddirections. At least one of (1) the relative movement between thescanner and the first support assembly, (2) the relative movementbetween the first support assembly and the second support assembly, and(3) the relative movement between the second support assembly and thebase assembly can be a relative rotation.

The patient interface assembly can include a counter-balance mechanismconfigured to inhibit at least one of (1) gravity-induced movement ofthe scanner in the vertical direction and (2) transfer ofgravity-induced force to eye of the patient. The third direction can bevertically oriented and each of the first and second directions can behorizontally oriented.

The scanner of the patient interface assembly can be operable to scanany suitable electromagnetic radiation beam in any suitable fashion. Forexample, the scanner can be operable to scan the electromagneticradiation beam in at least two dimensions. The scanner can be operableto focus the electromagnetic radiation beam to a focal point and scanthe focal point in three dimensions. The scanner can be configured to becoupled with an eye of the patient and to controllably scan a focalpoint of the electromagnetic radiation beam within a tissue of the eye.The electromagnetic radiation beam can include a series of laser pulsesconfigured to modify eye tissue. The scanner can include a z-scan deviceand an xy-scan device. The z-scan device can be operable to change adepth of the focal point in the eye. The xy-scan device can be operableto scan the focal point in two dimensions transverse to the propagationdirection of the electromagnetic radiation beam.

The patient interface assembly can include other suitable optical pathrelated components. For example, the patient interface assembly caninclude at least one sensor configured to monitor relative position ofat least one of the group consisting of (1) between the scanner and thefirst support assembly, (2) between the first support assembly and thesecond support assembly, and (3) between the second support assembly andthe base assembly. The patient interface assembly can include anobjective lens assembly disposed between and coupled with the scannerand the eye interface device. The electromagnetic radiation beam canpropagate from the scanner to pass through the objective lens assemblyand then from the objective lens assembly through the eye interfacedevice. The patient interface assembly can include at least one device(e.g., one or more solenoid brake assemblies, one or more detentmechanisms, or any other suitable mechanism configured to selectivelyinhibit relative movement between components coupled for relativemovement) configured to inhibit relative movement during positioning ofthe scanner relative to the patient between at least one of (1) thescanner and the first support assembly, (2) the first support assemblyand the second support assembly, and (3) the second support assembly andthe base assembly. Such a device(s) can be used to ensure that adequaterelative movement ranges are available after the scanner is positionedrelative to the patient.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the presentinvention, reference should be made to the ensuing detailed descriptionand accompanying drawings. Other aspects, objects and advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the drawings and detailed descriptionthat follows.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in thisspecification are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety tothe same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patentapplication was specifically and individually indicated to beincorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity inthe appended claims. A better understanding of the features andadvantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to thefollowing detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments,in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and theaccompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a laser surgery system, in accordancewith many embodiments, in which a patient interface device is coupled toa laser assembly by way of a scanner and free-floating mechanism thatsupports the scanner.

FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of a patient interface assembly, inaccordance with many embodiments, that includes a scanner supported by afree-floating mechanism.

FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of acts of a method, in accordancewith many embodiments, for accommodating patient movement in a lasersurgery system.

FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of optional acts, in accordancewith many embodiments, that can be accomplished in the method of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates relative movements that can be used ina patient interface assembly, in accordance with many embodiments, thatincludes a scanner supported by a free-floating mechanism.

FIG. 6A is a simplified block diagram of acts of another method, inaccordance with many embodiments, for accommodating patient movement ina laser surgery system.

FIG. 6B is a simplified block diagram of optional acts, in accordancewith many embodiments, that can be accomplished in the method of FIG.6A.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a laser surgery system, in accordancewith many embodiments, in which an eye interface device is coupled to alaser assembly by way of a scanner and free-floating mechanism thatsupports the scanner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, various embodiments of the presentinvention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specificconfigurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the embodiments. It will also, however, be apparent toone skilled in the art that the present invention may be practicedwithout the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may beomitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiment beingdescribed.

Patient interface assemblies and related methods for use in lasersurgery systems are provided. While described herein as used in lasereye surgery systems, the patient interface assemblies and methodsdescribed herein can be used in any other suitable laser surgery system.In many embodiments, a patient interface assembly is configured toaccommodate movement of a patient relative to the laser surgery systemwhile maintaining alignment between an electromagnetic treatment beamemitted by the laser surgery system and the patient.

Referring now to the drawings in which like numbers reference similarelements, FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a laser surgery system 10, inaccordance with many embodiments. The laser surgery system 10 includes alaser assembly 12, a free-floating mechanism 14, a scanner 16, anobjective lens assembly 18, and a patient interface device 20. Thepatient interface device 20 is configured to interface with a patient22. The patient interface device 20 is supported by the objective lensassembly 18. The objective lens assembly 18 is supported by the scanner16. The scanner 16 is supported by the free-floating mechanism 14. Thefree-floating mechanism 14 has a portion having a fixed position andorientation relative to the laser assembly 12.

In many embodiments, the patient interface device 20 is configured tointerface with an eye of the patient 22. For example, the patientinterface device 20 can be configured to be vacuum coupled to an eye ofthe patient 22 such as described in co-pending U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/721,693, entitled “Liquid Optical Interface forLaser Eye Surgery System”, filed Nov. 2, 2012. The laser surgery system10 can further optionally include a base assembly 24 that can be fixedin place or repositionable. For example, the base assembly 24 can besupported by a support linkage that is configured to allow selectiverepositioning of the base assembly 24 relative to a patient and securethe base assembly 24 in a selected fixed position relative to thepatient. Such a support linkage can be supported in any suitable mannersuch as, for example, by a fixed support base or by a movable cart thatcan be repositioned to a suitable location adjacent to a patient. Inmany embodiments, the support linkage includes setup joints with eachsetup joint being configured to permit selective articulation of thesetup joint and can be selectively locked to prevent inadvertentarticulation of the setup joint, thereby securing the base assembly 24in a selected fixed position relative to the patient when the setupjoints are locked.

In many embodiments, the laser assembly 12 is configured to emit anelectromagnetic radiation beam 26. The beam 26 can include a series oflaser pulses of any suitable energy level, duration, and repetitionrate.

In many embodiments, the laser assembly 12 incorporates femtosecond (FS)laser technology. By using femtosecond laser technology, a shortduration (e.g., approximately 10⁻¹³ seconds in duration) laser pulse(with energy level in the micro joule range) can be delivered to atightly focused point to disrupt tissue, thereby substantially loweringthe energy level required as compared to laser pulses having longerdurations.

The laser assembly 12 can produce laser pulses having a wavelengthsuitable to treat and/or image tissue. For example, the laser assembly12 can be configured to emit an electromagnetic radiation beam 26 suchas emitted by any of the laser surgery systems described in copendingU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/722,048, entitled “LaserEye Surgery System”, filed Nov. 2, 2012; U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/987,069, entitled “Method and System For Modifying Eye Tissue andIntraocular Lenses”, filed Jan. 7, 2011. For example, the laser assembly12 can produce laser pulses having a wavelength from 1020 nm to 1050 nm.For example, the laser assembly 12 can have a diode-pumped solid-stateconfiguration with a 1030 (+/−5) nm center wavelength. As anotherexample, the laser assembly 12 can produce laser pulses having awavelength 320 nm to 430 nm. For example, the laser assembly 12 caninclude an Nd:YAG laser source operating at the 3rd harmonic wavelength,355 nm. The laser assembly 12 can also include two or more lasers of anysuitable configuration.

The laser assembly 12 can include control and conditioning components.For example, such control components can include components such as abeam attenuator to control the energy of the laser pulse and the averagepower of the pulse train, a fixed aperture to control thecross-sectional spatial extent of the beam containing the laser pulses,one or more power monitors to monitor the flux and repetition rate ofthe beam train and therefore the energy of the laser pulses, and ashutter to allow/block transmission of the laser pulses. Suchconditioning components can include an adjustable zoom assembly and afixed optical relay to transfer the laser pulses over a distance whileaccommodating laser pulse beam positional and/or directionalvariability, thereby providing increased tolerance for componentvariation.

In many embodiments, the laser assembly 12 has a fixed position relativeto the base assembly 24. The beam 26 emitted by the laser assembly 12propagates along a fixed optical path to the free-floating mechanism 14.The beam 12 propagates through the free-floating mechanism 14 along avariable optical path 28, which delivers the beam 26 to the scanner 16.In many embodiments, the beam 26 emitted by the laser assembly 12 iscollimated so that the beam 26 is not impacted by patient movementinduced changes in the length of the optical path between the laserassembly 12 and the scanner 16. The scanner 16 is operable to scan thebeam 26 (e.g., via controlled variable deflection of the beam 26) in atleast one dimension. In many embodiments, the scanner is operable toscan the beam in two dimensions transverse to the direction ofpropagation of the beam 26 and is further operable to scan the locationof a focal point of the beam 26 in the direction of propagation of thebeam 26. The scanned beam is emitted from the scanner 16 to propagatethrough the objective lens assembly 18, through the interface device 20,and to the patient 22.

The free-floating mechanism 14 is configured to accommodate a range ofmovement of the patient 22 relative to the laser assembly 12 in one ormore directions while maintaining alignment of the beam 24 emitted bythe scanner 16 with the patient 22. For example, in many embodiments,the free-floating mechanism 14 is configured to accommodate a rangemovement of the patient 22 in any direction defined by any combinationof unit orthogonal directions (X, Y, and Z).

The free-floating mechanism 14 supports the scanner 16 and provides thevariable optical path 28, which changes in response to movement of thepatient 22. Because the patient interface device 20 is interfaced withthe patient 22, movement of the patient 22 results in correspondingmovement of the patient interface device 20, the objective lens assembly18, and the scanner 16. The free-floating mechanism 14 can include, forexample, any suitable combination of a linkage that accommodatesrelative movement between the scanner 16 and the laser assembly 12 andoptical components suitably tied to the linkage so as to form thevariable optical path 28.

FIG. 2 shows an assembly 30 to illustrate an example embodiment of asuitable combination of a linkage that accommodates relative movementbetween the scanner 16 and the laser assembly 12 and optical componentssuitably tied to the linkage so as to form the variable optical path 28.The assembly 30 includes an eye interface device 20, the objective lensassembly 18, the scanner 16, and the free-floating mechanism 14. Thefree-floating mechanism 14 includes a first support assembly 32, asecond support assembly 34, and a base assembly 36. The eye interfacedevice 20 is coupled with and supported by the objective lens assembly18. The objective lens assembly 18 is coupled with and supported by thescanner 16. The combination of the interface device 20, the objectivelens assembly 18, and the scanner 16 form a unit that moves in unison inconjunction with movement of the patient.

The first support assembly 32 includes a first end frame 38, a secondend frame 40, and transverse rods 42, 44, which extend between andcouple to the end frames 38, 40. The transverse rods 42, 44 are orientedparallel to a first direction 46. The scanner 16 is supported by thetransverse rods 42, 44 and slides along the rods 42, 44 in response topatient movement parallel to the first direction 46. The transverse rods42, 44 form part of a linear bearing accommodating patient movementparallel to the first direction 46.

The second support assembly 34 includes a first end frame 48, anintermediate frame 50, transverse rods 52, 54, a second end frame 56,and vertical rods 58, 60. The transverse rods 52, 54 extend between andcouple to the first end frame 48 and to the intermediate frame 50. Thetransverse rods 52, 54 are oriented parallel to a second direction 62,which is at least transverse to and can be orthogonal to the firstdirection 46. Each of the first and second directions 46, 62 can behorizontal. The first support assembly 32 is supported by the transverserods 52, 54 and slides along the rods 52, 54 in response to patientmovement parallel to the second direction 62. The transverse rods 52, 54form part of a linear bearing accommodating patient movement parallel tothe second direction 62. The vertical rods 58, 60 extend between andcouple to the intermediate frame 50 and to the second end frame 56. Thevertical rods 58, 60 are oriented parallel to a third direction 64,which is at least transverse to each of first and second directions 46,62, and can be orthogonal to at least one of the first and seconddirections 46, 62. The vertical rods 58, 60 form part of a linearbearing accommodating relative movement between the second supportassembly 34 and the base assembly 36 parallel to the third direction 64,thereby accommodating patient movement parallel to the third direction64.

First, second, and third reflectors 66, 68, 70 (e.g., mirrors) aresupported by the free-floating mechanism 14 and configured to reflectthe electromagnetic radiation beam 26 to propagate along a variableoptical path 28. The first reflector 66 is mounted to the first supportassembly 32 (to second end frame 42 in the illustrated embodiment). Thesecond reflector 68 is mounted to the second support assembly 34 (tointermediate frame 50 in the illustrated embodiment). The thirdreflector 70 is mounted to the base assembly 36. In operation, the beam26 emitted by the laser assembly is deflected by the third reflector 70so as to propagate parallel to the third direction 64 and be incidentupon the second reflector 68. The second reflector 68 deflects the beam26 so as to propagate parallel to the second direction 62 and beincident upon the first reflector 66. The first reflector 66 deflectsthe beam 26 so as to propagate parallel to the first direction 46 andinto the scanner 16, which then controllably scans and outputs thescanned beam through the objective lens assembly 18 and the eyeinterface device 20. By propagating the beam 26 parallel to the thirddirection 64 from the third reflector 70 to the second reflector 68, thelength of the corresponding portion of the variable optical path 28 canbe varied so as to accommodate relative movement of the patient relativeto the third direction 64. By propagating the beam 26 parallel to thesecond direction 62 from the second reflector 68 to the first reflector66, the length of the corresponding portion of the variable optical path28 can be varied so as to accommodate relative movement of the patientrelative to the second direction 62. By propagating the beam 26 parallelto the first direction 46 from the first reflector 66 to the scanner 16,the length of the corresponding portion of the variable optical path 28can be varied so as to accommodate relative movement of the patientrelative to the first direction 46.

In the illustrated embodiment, the free-floating mechanism 14 furtherincludes a first solenoid brake assembly 72, a second solenoid brakeassembly 74, and a third solenoid brake assembly 76. The solenoid brakeassemblies 72, 74, 76 are operable to selectively prevent inadvertentarticulation of the free-floating mechanism 14 during initialpositioning of the scanner 16 relative to a patient's eye. For example,in the absence of any mechanism for preventing inadvertent articulationof the free-floating mechanism 14, movement of the scanner 16 may induceinadvertent articulation of the free-floating mechanism 14, especiallywhen a user induces movement of the scanner 16 through contact with, forexample, the objective lens assembly 18 to move the objective lensassembly 18 into a suitable location relative to the patient. When thelaser surgery system 10 is supported by a support linkage mechanism thatincludes setup joints, preventing inadvertent articulation of thefree-floating mechanism 14 can be used to ensure that the initialpositioning of the laser surgery system 10 occurs via articulation ofthe setup joints instead of via articulation of the free-floatingmechanism 14.

The first solenoid brake assembly 72 is configured to selectivelyprevent inadvertent movement between the scanner 16 and the firstsupport assembly 32. Engagement of the first solenoid brake assembly 72prevents movement of the scanner 16 along the transverse rods 42, 44,thereby preventing relative movement between the scanner 16 and thefirst support assembly 32 parallel to the first direction 46. When thefirst solenoid brake assembly 72 is not engaged, the scanner 16 is freeto slide along the transverse rods 42, 44, thereby permitting relativemovement between the scanner 16 and the first support assembly 32parallel to the first direction 46. In many embodiments, thefree-floating mechanism 14 includes a detent mechanism and/or anindicator that is configured to permit engagement of the first solenoidbrake assembly 72 when the scanner 16 is centered relative to its rangeof travel along the transverse rods 42, 44, thereby ensuring equal rangeof travel of the scanner 16 in both directions parallel to the firstdirection 46 when the first solenoid brake assembly 72 is disengagedfollowing positioning of the objective lens assembly 18 relative to thepatient.

The second solenoid brake assembly 74 is configured to selectivelyprevent inadvertent movement between the first support assembly 32 andthe second support assembly 34. Engagement of the second solenoid brakeassembly 74 prevents movement of the first support assembly 32 along thetransverse rods 52, 54, thereby preventing relative movement between thefirst support assembly 32 and the second support assembly 34 parallel tothe second direction 62. When the second solenoid brake assembly 74 isnot engaged, the first support assembly 32 is free to slide along thetransverse rods 52, 54, thereby permitting relative movement between thefirst support assembly 32 and the second support assembly 34 parallel tothe second direction 62. In many embodiments, the free-floatingmechanism 14 includes a detent mechanism and/or an indicator that isconfigured to permit engagement of the second solenoid brake assembly 74when the first support assembly 32 is centered relative to its range oftravel along the transverse rods 52, 54, thereby ensuring equal range oftravel of the first support assembly 32 in both directions parallel tothe second direction 62 when the second solenoid brake assembly 74 isdisengaged following positioning of the objective lens assembly 18relative to the patient.

The third solenoid brake assembly 76 is configured to selectivelyprevent inadvertent movement between the second support assembly 34 andthe base assembly 36. Engagement of the third solenoid brake assembly 76prevents movement of the base assembly 36 along the vertical rods 58,60, thereby preventing relative movement between the second supportassembly 34 and the base assembly 36 parallel to the third direction 64.When the third solenoid brake assembly 76 is not engaged, the baseassembly 36 is free to slide along the vertical rods 58, 60, therebypermitting relative movement between the second support assembly 34 andthe base assembly 36 parallel to the third direction 64. In manyembodiments, the free-floating mechanism 14 includes a detent mechanismand/or an indicator that is configured to permit engagement of the thirdsolenoid brake assembly 76 when the base assembly 36 is centeredrelative to its range of travel along the vertical rods 58, 60, therebyensuring equal range of travel of the base assembly 36 in bothdirections parallel to the third direction 64 when the third solenoidbrake assembly 76 is disengaged following positioning of the objectivelens assembly 18 relative to the patient.

In an optional embodiment, the third reflector 70 is omitted and theincoming beam 26 is directed to propagate parallel to the thirddirection 64 and be incident on the second reflector 68. Each of thereflectors 66, 68, 70 can be adjustable in position and/or inorientation and thereby can be adjusted to align the correspondingportions of the variable optical path 28 with the first, second, andthird directions 46, 62, and 64, respectively. Accordingly, the use ofthe third reflector 70 can provide the ability to align the portion ofthe variable optical path 28 between the third reflector 70 and thesecond reflector 68 so as to be parallel to the third direction 64 andthereby compensate for relative positional and/or orientationvariability between the laser assembly 12 and the free-floatingmechanism 14.

In the illustrated embodiment of the assembly 30, the first and seconddirections 46, 62 can be horizontal and the third direction 64 can bevertical. The free-floating mechanism 14 can also include acounter-balance mechanism coupled with the scanner and configured toinhibit gravity-induced movement of the eye interface device 20 and/orinhibit the transfer of gravity-induced forces from the eye interfacedevice 20 to an eye coupled with the eye interface device 20. Forexample, a counter-balance mechanism can be employed to apply acounter-balancing vertical force to the second assembly 34, therebyinhibiting or even preventing gravity-induced relative movement betweenthe second assembly 34 and the base assembly 36 and/or inhibiting thetransfer of gravity-induced forces from the eye interface device 20 toan eye coupled with the eye interface device 20.

Other suitable variations of the assembly 30 are possible. For example,the scanner 16 can be slidably supported relative to a first supportassembly via a vertically-oriented linear bearing. The first supportassembly can be slidably supported relative to a second support assemblyvia a first horizontally-oriented linear bearing. The second supportassembly can be slidably supported relative to a base assembly via asecond horizontally-oriented linear bearing that is oriented transverse(e.g., perpendicular) to the first horizontally-oriented linear bearing.In such a configuration, a counter-balancing mechanism can be used toapply a counter-balancing force to the scanner 16, thereby inhibiting oreven preventing gravity-induced relative movement of the scanner 16 andthe eye interface device 20 and/or inhibiting or even preventing thetransfer of gravity-induced force from the eye interface device 20 to aneye coupled with the eye interface device 20. The assembly 30 can alsoincorporate one or more sensors configured to monitor relativeposition 1) between the scanner 16 and the first support assembly 32, 2)between the first support assembly 32 and the second support assembly34, and/or 3) between the second support assembly 34 and the baseassembly 36.

FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of acts of a method 100, inaccordance with many embodiments, of accommodating patient movement in alaser surgery system. Any suitable device, assembly, and/or systemdescribed herein can be used to practice the method 100. The method 100includes using a first support assembly (e.g., first support assembly32) to support a scanner (e.g., scanner 16) so as to accommodaterelative translation between the scanner and the first support assemblyparallel to a first direction (e.g., direction 46). The scanner isoperable to controllably scan an electromagnetic radiation beam (e.g.,beam 26) and configured to be coupled with a patient so that the scannermoves in conjunction with movement of the patient (act 102). A secondsupport assembly (e.g., second support assembly 34) is used to supportthe first support assembly so as to accommodate relative translationbetween the first support assembly and the second support assemblyparallel to a second direction (e.g., direction 62) that is transverseto the first direction (act 104). A base assembly (e.g., base assembly36) is used to support the second support assembly so as to accommodaterelative translation between the second support assembly and the baseassembly parallel to a third direction (e.g., direction 64) that istransverse to each of the first and second directions (act 106). Theelectromagnetic radiation beam is propagated in a direction that isfixed relative to the base assembly (act 108). The first supportassembly is used to support a first reflector (e.g., first reflector 66)configured to reflect the electromagnetic radiation beam so as topropagate parallel to the first direction and to the scanner (act 110).The second support assembly is used to support a second reflector (e.g.,second reflector 68) configured to reflect the electromagnetic radiationbeam so as to propagate parallel to the second direction and to beincident on the first reflector (act 112). Relative translation betweenthe scanner and the first assembly, between the first assembly and thesecond assembly, and between the second assembly and the base assemblyis used to accommodate three-dimensional relative translation betweenthe scanner and the base assembly (act 114).

FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of additional aspects and/oroptional acts that can be accomplished as part of the method 100. Forexample, the method 100 can include using the base assembly to support athird reflector (e.g., third reflector 70) configured to reflect theelectromagnetic radiation beam to propagate parallel to the thirddirection and to be incident on the second reflector (act 116). Themethod 100 can include operating the scanner to scan the electromagneticradiation beam in at least two dimensions (act 118). The method 100 caninclude focusing the electromagnetic radiation beam to a focal point(act 120). The method 100 can include operating the scanner to scan thefocal point in three dimensions (act 122). The method 100 can includeusing a counter-balance mechanism to inhibit gravity-induced movement ofthe scanner and/or to inhibit transfer of gravity-induced force to aneye coupled with the scanner (act 124). The method 100 can includemonitoring a relative position of at least one of the group consistingof (1) between the scanner and the first support assembly, (2) betweenthe first support assembly and the second support assembly, and (3)between the second support assembly and the base assembly (act 126). Themethod 100 can include inhibiting relative movement during positioningof the scanner relative to the patient between at least one of (1) thescanner and the first support assembly, (2) the first support assemblyand the second support assembly, and (3) the second support assembly andthe base assembly (act 128).

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates relative movements that can be used inthe free-floating mechanism 14 that can be used to accommodate patientmovement, in accordance with many embodiments. The free-floatingmechanism 14 includes the first reflector 66, the second reflector 68,and the third reflector 70. In many embodiments, the free-floatingmechanism 14 includes a linkage assembly (not shown) that is configuredto permit certain relative movement between the scanner 16 and the firstreflector 66, between the first reflector 66 and the second reflector68, and between the second reflector 68 and the third reflector 70 so asto consistently direct the electromagnetic radiation beam 26 to thescanner 16 while accommodating three-dimensional relative movementbetween the patient interface device 20 and the laser assembly used togenerate the electromagnetic radiation beam 26. For example, similar tothe embodiment of the free-floating mechanism 14 illustrated in FIG. 2,a free-floating mechanism 14 can be configured such that the scanner 16is supported by a first support assembly such that the scanner is freeto translate relative to the first support assembly parallel to thefirst direction 46, thereby maintaining the location and orientation ofthe beam 26 between the first reflector 66 and the scanner 16. Likewise,the first support assembly can be supported by a second support assemblysuch that the first support assembly is free to translate relative tothe second support assembly parallel to a second direction 62, therebymaintaining the location and orientation of the beam 26 between thesecond reflector 68 and the first reflector 66. And the second supportassembly can be supported by a base assembly such that the secondsupport assembly is free to translate relative to the base assemblyparallel to a third direction 64, thereby maintaining the location andorientation of the beam 26 between the third reflector 70 and the secondreflector 68.

The free-floating mechanism 14 can also employ one or more relativerotations so as to maintain the location and orientation of pathsegments of the beam 26. For example, the scanner 16 can be supported bya first support assembly such that the scanner is free to undergo arotation 78 relative to the first support assembly about an axiscoincident with the path segment of the beam 26 between the firstreflector 66 and the scanner 16, thereby maintaining the location andorientation of the beam 26 between the first reflector 66 and thescanner 16. Likewise, the first support assembly can be supported by asecond support assembly such that the first support assembly is free toundergo a rotation 80 relative to the second support assembly about anaxis coincident with the path segment of the beam 26 between the secondreflector 68 and the first reflector 66, thereby maintaining thelocation and orientation of the beam 26 between the second reflector 68and the first reflector 66. And the second support assembly can besupported by a base assembly such that the second support assembly isfree to undergo a rotation 82 relative to the base assembly about anaxis coincident with the path segment of the beam 26 between the thirdreflector 70 and the second reflector 68, thereby maintaining thelocation and orientation of the beam 26 between the third reflector 70and the second reflector 68.

The free-floating mechanism 14 can also employ any suitable combinationof relative translations and relative rotations so as to maintain thelocation and orientation of path segments of the beam 26. For example,with respect to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 5, thefree-floating mechanism 14 can employ relative translation parallel tothe second direction 62, relative translation parallel to the thirddirection 64, and relative rotation 82, thereby allowingthree-dimensional movement of the patient interface 20 relative to thelaser assembly used to generate the electromagnetic radiation beam 26,and thereby accommodating patient movement.

FIG. 6A is a simplified block diagram of acts of a method 200, inaccordance with many embodiments, of accommodating patient movement in alaser surgery system. Any suitable device, assembly, and/or systemdescribed herein can be used to practice the method 200. The method 200includes using a first support assembly to support a scanner so as toaccommodate relative movement between the scanner and the first supportassembly so as to accommodate patient movement. The scanner is operableto controllably scan an electromagnetic radiation beam and configured tobe coupled with a patient so that the scanner moves in conjunction withmovement of the patient (act 202). The method 200 includes using a beamsource to generate the electromagnetic radiation beam (act 204). Themethod 200 includes propagating the electromagnetic radiation beam fromthe beam source to the scanner along an optical path having an opticalpath length that changes in response to patient movement (act 206).

FIG. 6B is a simplified block diagram of additional aspects and/oroptional acts that can be accomplished as part of the method 200. Forexample, the method 200 can include using a second support assembly tosupport the first support assembly so as to accommodate relativemovement between the first support assembly and the second supportassembly so as to accommodate patient movement (act 208). The method 200can include using the first support assembly to support a firstreflector configured to reflect the electromagnetic radiation beam so asto propagate to the scanner along a portion of the optical path (act210). The method 200 can include using a base assembly to support thesecond support assembly so as to accommodate relative movement betweenthe second support assembly and the base assembly so as to accommodatepatient movement (act 212). The method 200 can include using the secondsupport assembly to support a second reflector configured to reflect theelectromagnetic radiation beam to propagate along a portion of theoptical path so as to be incident on the first reflector (act 214). Themethod 200 can include using the base assembly to support a thirdreflector configured to reflect the electromagnetic radiation beam topropagate along a portion of the optical path so as to be incident onthe second reflector (act 216). The method 200 can include monitoring atleast one of a relative position and a relative orientation of at leastone of the group consisting of (1) between the scanner and the firstsupport assembly, (2) between the first support assembly and the secondsupport assembly, and (3) between the second support assembly and thebase assembly (act 218). The method 200 can include inhibiting relativemovement during positioning of the scanner relative to the patientbetween at least one of (1) the scanner and the first support assembly,(2) the first support assembly and the second support assembly, and (3)the second support assembly and the base assembly (act 220).

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a laser surgery system 300, inaccordance with many embodiments. The laser surgery system 300 includesthe laser assembly 12, the free-floating mechanism 14, the scanner 16,the objective lens assembly 18, the patient interface 20, communicationpaths 302, control electronics 304, control panel/graphical userinterface (GUI) 306, and user interface devices 308. The controlelectronics 304 includes processor 310, which includes memory 312. Thepatient interface 20 is configured to interface with a patient 22. Thecontrol electronics 304 is operatively coupled via the communicationpaths 302 with the laser assembly 12, the free-floating mechanism 14,the scanner 16, the control panel/GUI 306, and the user interfacedevices 308.

The free-floating mechanism 14 can be configured as illustrated in FIG.2 to include, for example, the first reflector 66, the second reflector68, and the third reflector 70. Accordingly, the free-floating mechanism14 can be configured to accommodate movement of the patient 22 relativeto the laser assembly 12 in any direction resulting from any combinationof three orthogonal unit directions.

The scanner 16 includes a z-scan device 314 and an xy-scan device 316.The laser surgery system 300 is configured to focus the electromagneticradiation beam 26 to a focal point that is scanned in three dimensions.The z-scan device 314 is operable to vary the location of the focalpoint in the direction of propagation of the beam 26. The xy-scan device316 is operable to scan the location of the focal point in twodimensions transverse to the direction of propagation of the beam 26.Accordingly, the combination of the z-scan device 314 and the xy-scandevice 316 can be operated to controllably scan the focal point of thebeam in three dimensions, including within a tissue of the patient 22such as within an eye tissue of the patient 22. As described above withrespect to assembly 30, the scanner 16 is supported by the free-floatingmechanism 14, which accommodates patient movement induced movement ofthe scanning device relative to the laser assembly 12 in threedimensions.

The patient interface 20 is coupled to the patient 22 such that thepatient interface 20, the objective lens 18, and the scanner 16 move inconjunction with the patient 22. For example, in many embodiments, thepatient interface 20 employs a suction ring that is vacuum attached toan eye of the patient 20. The suction ring can be coupled with thepatient interface 20, for example, using vacuum to secure the suctionring to the patient interface 20.

The control electronics 304 controls the operation of and/or can receiveinput from the laser assembly 12, the free-floating assembly 14, thescanner 16, the patient interface 20, the control panel/GUI 306, and theuser interface devices 308 via the communication paths 302. Thecommunication paths 302 can be implemented in any suitableconfiguration, including any suitable shared or dedicated communicationpaths between the control electronics 304 and the respective systemcomponents.

The control electronics 304 can include any suitable components, such asone or more processor, one or more field-programmable gate array (FPGA),and one or more memory storage devices. In many embodiments, the controlelectronics 304 controls the control panel/GUI 306 to provide forpre-procedure planning according to user specified treatment parametersas well as to provide user control over the laser eye surgery procedure.

The control electronics 304 can include a processor/controller 310 thatis used to perform calculations related to system operation and providecontrol signals to the various system elements. A computer readablemedium 312 is coupled to the processor 310 in order to store data usedby the processor and other system elements. The processor 310 interactswith the other components of the system as described more fullythroughout the present specification. In an embodiment, the memory 312can include a look up table that can be utilized to control one or morecomponents of the laser system surgery system 300.

The processor 310 can be a general purpose microprocessor configured toexecute instructions and data, such as a Pentium processor manufacturedby the Intel Corporation of Santa Clara, California. It can also be anApplication Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) that embodies at leastpart of the instructions for performing the method in accordance withthe embodiments of the present disclosure in software, firmware and/orhardware. As an example, such processors include dedicated circuitry,ASICs, combinatorial logic, other programmable processors, combinationsthereof, and the like.

The memory 312 can be local or distributed as appropriate to theparticular application. Memory 312 can include a number of memoriesincluding a main random access memory (RAM) for storage of instructionsand data during program execution and a read only memory (ROM) in whichfixed instructions are stored. Thus, the memory 312 provides persistent(non-volatile) storage for program and data files, and may include ahard disk drive, flash memory, a floppy disk drive along with associatedremovable media, a Compact Disk Read Only Memory (CD-ROM) drive, anoptical drive, removable media cartridges, and other like storage media.

The user interface devices 308 can include any suitable user inputdevice suitable to provide user input to the control electronics 304.For example, the user interface devices 308 can include devices such as,for example, a touch-screen display/input device, a keyboard, afootswitch, a keypad, a patient interface radio frequency identification(RFID) reader, an emergency stop button, and a key switch.

Any suitable laser surgery system can be suitably modified to employ anelectromagnetic beam scanner that is supported by a free-floatingmechanism as disclosed herein. For example, copending U.S. provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 61/722,048 filed Nov. 11, 2012, describes alaser eye surgery system that includes beam scanning components thatform part of a shared optical assembly used to scan a treatment beam, anoptical coherence tomography (OCT) measurement beam, and an alignmentbeam. Using the approaches described herein, such beam scanningcomponents can be supported from a free-floating mechanism so as toaccommodate patient movement as described herein.

Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus,while the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof areshown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. It shouldbe understood, however, that there is no intention to limit theinvention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary,the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions,and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, asdefined in the appended claims.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing”are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, butnot limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to beconstrued as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joinedtogether, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of rangesof values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method ofreferring individually to each separate value falling within the range,unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value isincorporated into the specification as if it were individually recitedherein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitableorder unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearlycontradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplarylanguage (e.g.,“such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to betterilluminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitationon the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language inthe specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimedelement as essential to the practice of the invention.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown anddescribed herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art thatsuch embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerousvariations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilledin the art without departing from the invention. It should be understoodthat various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention describedherein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended thatthe following claims define the scope of the invention and that methodsand structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents becovered thereby.

1. A method of accommodating patient movement in a laser surgery system,the method comprising: using a first support assembly to support ascanner so as to accommodate relative movement between the scanner andthe first support assembly so as to accommodate patient movement, thescanner being operable to controllably scan an electromagnetic radiationbeam and configured to be coupled with a patient so that the scannermoves in conjunction with movement of the patient; using a beam sourceto generate the electromagnetic radiation beam; and propagating theelectromagnetic radiation beam from the beam source to the scanner alongan optical path having an optical path length that changes in responseto patient movement
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: usinga second support assembly to support the first support assembly so as toaccommodate relative movement between the first support assembly and thesecond support assembly so as to accommodate patient movement; and usingthe first support assembly to support a first reflector configured toreflect the electromagnetic radiation beam so as to propagate to thescanner along a portion of the optical path.
 3. The method of claim 2,further comprising: using a base assembly to support the second supportassembly so as to accommodate relative movement between the secondsupport assembly and the base assembly so as to accommodate patientmovement; and using the second support assembly to support a secondreflector configured to reflect the electromagnetic radiation beam topropagate along a portion of the optical path so as to be incident onthe first reflector.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein: the relativemovement between the scanner and the first support assembly is atranslation in a first direction; the relative movement between thefirst support assembly and the second support assembly is a translationin a second direction that is transverse to the first direction; and therelative movement between the second support assembly and the baseassembly is a translation in a third direction that is transverse toeach of the first and second directions.
 5. The method of claim 4,wherein: the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction;and the third direction is perpendicular to each of the first and seconddirections.
 6. The method of claim 4, wherein one of the first, second,and third directions is vertically oriented, the method furthercomprising inhibiting at least one of (1) gravity-induced movement ofthe scanner in the vertical direction and (2) transfer ofgravity-induced force to the patient.
 7. The method of claim 6, whereinthe third direction is vertically oriented and each of the first andsecond directions is horizontally oriented.
 8. The method of claim 3,wherein at least one of (1) the relative movement between the scannerand the first support assembly, (2) the relative movement between thefirst support assembly and the second support assembly, and (3) therelative movement between the second support assembly and the baseassembly is a relative rotation.
 9. The method of claim 3, furthercomprising using the base assembly to support a third reflectorconfigured to reflect the electromagnetic radiation beam to propagatealong a portion of the optical path so as to be incident on the secondreflector.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the scanner is operable toscan the electromagnetic radiation beam in at least two dimensions. 11.The method of claim 1, wherein the scanner is operable to: focus theelectromagnetic radiation beam to a focal point; and scan the focalpoint in three dimensions.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein theelectromagnetic radiation beam comprises a series of laser pulsesconfigured to modify eye tissue.
 13. The method of claim 3, furthercomprising monitoring at least one of a relative position and a relativeorientation of at least one of the group consisting of (1) between thescanner and the first support assembly, (2) between the first supportassembly and the second support assembly, and (3) between the secondsupport assembly and the base assembly.
 14. The method of claim 1,wherein the scanner is configured to be coupled with an eye of thepatient and to controllably scan a focal point of the electromagneticradiation beam within a tissue of the eye.
 15. The method of claim 3,further comprising inhibiting relative movement during positioning ofthe scanner relative to the patient between at least one of (1) thescanner and the first support assembly, (2) the first support assemblyand the second support assembly, and (3) the second support assembly andthe base assembly. 16-31. (canceled)